Arthur Wright & Sons

Established in 1947, A Wright & Son operates from their traditional workshop at 158 Charles Street in the heart of Sheffield. Taken over in 2022 by Michael Harrison (a third-generation master cutler and die maker) and his son Ashley, this small, dedicated team keeps the centuries-old "Little Mester" legacy alive. The workshop specialises in entirely in-house production, with apprentice-trained makers working with original machinery to create classic pocket knife patterns.

With each traditional blade shape made in C70 carbon steel, every piece features individual hand-chiseled "chasing" or file work along the backsprings and liners — a hallmark of Michael's metal-striking skills. Patterns include the Lambfoot — a robust, straight-edged blade with a rounded tip, originally used by farmers; the Barlow — a pocket knife with characteristic long bolster and teardrop shaped handle; the Ettrick — a slim knife with a short blade traditionally used for trimming plants; as well as pruner and peach-pruner patterns.

Every stage of production is undertaken, from blanking out the raw steel blades and springs to hardening, tempering, assembly and final polishing. Following A Wright’s tradition, these knives are still made to be accessible for the working man, the C70 carbon steel preferred for its ability to take an exceptionally keen edge. Their sustainability credentials lie in their repairability and longevity; these are mechanical tools designed to be maintained for a lifetime rather than replaced. By keeping the entire manufacturing process within a single site, they maintain a microscopic carbon footprint compared to global competitors.

The production process for these knives is relatively simple. Blades and springs are first cut out of sheet steel, using blanking tools and a 50 ton press. These are then marked, drilled, nail nicked and straightened before undergoing hardening and tempering processes. Linings are then blanked out ready to have holes pierced in them, after which the assembled parts are prepared on the workbench prior to assembly. After the blades have been hardened and tempered they are ground to an edge before being cleaned up ready for assembly.

Once cleaned the parts are ready for assembly: the blade, spring, two linings with two bolsters which have already been soldered on the linings, 2 rose wood scales and the wire used to rivet the knife together. The assembled knife is then "knocked up" at the bench using a hammer and an anvil called a "stidy". All this is done by hand with the upmost skill so that the knife still "walks and talks" — the term used to describe the opening and closing.

Using a Linisher with different grade emery belts, the cutler then grinds and shapes the knives to the required finish. After a final polish and sharpening the blade on a whet stone the pocket knife is completed.